How to Get a Writing Job for a Newspaper or Column

Newspaper writers must understand the audience.

Newspapers are experiencing declining readership and advertising revenue, which is making it more difficult to remain profitable. The need for reporters and columnists is declining as a result. However, many still read newspapers, either in print or online, and writers are needed to find that right angle and keep readers informed. Getting a job at a newspaper will require that you understand the needs of the newspapers you want to write for.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper clips

Instructions

1. Study the format of the newspapers you would like to write for. Many newspapers use Associated Press style guidelines. Articles are also often written in an inverted pyramid style, where the most significant information is placed near the beginning and the less important information is placed at the end. This allows editors to quickly remove nonessential information to save space.

2. Write a couple of columns that serve as practice columns to determine whether you really want to be a columnist. Writing one column is not enough, since you will write several original columns in succession once you get the job. Use these prototype columns to also market yourself to newspapers.

3. Apply to a newspaper as an intern between August and September. Many newspapers select their interns in December. Those interns who show potential are sometimes chosen to write for the newspaper. If you write for your school's newspaper, include some clips in your internship application.

4. Locate the email of several newspaper editors if you are not applying as an intern. Send an email to one editor and ask whether the newspaper would be interested in an original story you have written. You can usually send your story to several small-circulation newspapers simultaneously, as some newspapers rarely have the same readership. However, national-circulation newspapers often want exclusive rights to a story. In addition, newspapers do not want the same story submitted to a competing newspaper.

5. Send the story to smaller newspapers, if the larger newspapers do not accept it. Even if the newspaper does not pay, having a story run in a newspaper increases the chances that a larger newspaper will hire you to write for it.

6. Start writing a regular column and sell it to a local or daily newspaper. If the column develops a readership, marketing it to a broader number of newspapers will become easier.

7. Write a letter of application to an editor. In the letter, explain who you are, what you have done and what you can offer the newspaper. Send a resume that has your academic experiences, prior experience with journalism, work experience and your contact information. Send the editor your most effective newspaper clips.

Tips & Warnings

• Write about topics that are beneficial to the reader and focus on a particular target audience. Your goal should be to attract readers from a specific demographic and then slowly build that readership. Market to too broad a readership and you’re less likely to appeal to anyone.

• Columns are typically shorter than newspaper and magazine articles. They tend to be light and offer writing on a particular subject that remains consistent. Read some of most popular columnists to see what styles are most successful.

References

• Writing World: Pros and Cons of Simultaneous Submissions
• Columnists: How to Become a Columnist
• Power Home Biz: 10 Key Steps to Become a Columnist
• ASNE: Tips on Finding Your First Newspaper Job or Internship